Stolen SUV crashes onto steps of Saint John courthouse

'Only a miracle' no one was injured in chase, say police

Two men are facing charges after a stolen SUV crashed onto the steps of the Saint John Law Courts building on May 8. (CBC)

Two young men are facing charges after a stolen sport utility vehicle crashed onto the steps of the Saint John Law Courts building on Thursday during the evening rush hour.

Saint John police were called around 5:30 p.m. about a man, who was driving a white SUV, urinating in public near Chipman Hill, in the city's uptown.

An officer spotted a suspect vehicle near King Street and tried to pull it over, but the vehicle sped away, said Sgt. Jay Henderson.

The SUV drove through the busy Union Street intersection with no regard for other motorists, he said.

Saint John police say one of the accused was arrested at the crash site, while the second suspect was found hiding in a garbage dumpster on City Road. (CBC)

"Traffic was heavy at the time of this incident on Union and it is only a miracle that this fleeing vehicle and male operator didn’t hit anyone," said Henderson.

"This fleeing vehicle continued to increase speed entering Peel Plaza and upon trying to negotiate the sharp turn near the court building, the driver lost control and the vehicle ended up on the stairs of the court building," he said.

A 21-year-old passenger was arrested at the crash site.

The 24-year-old male driver took off on foot, but was apprehended after a lengthy foot chase that ended on City Road, said Henderson.

The man had "climbed into a garbage dumpster to hide from being apprehended," he said.